How much is the farmers dog per month?
Post Date:
January 25, 2026
(Date Last Modified: February 5, 2026)
If your question is simply “How much is The Farmer’s Dog per month?” the short, practical answer is: it depends on the size, metabolism, and needs of your dog, but many owners pay somewhere in the ballpark of $60–$300 per month. Below I walk through why people ask that question, the typical ranges you’ll see, what drives price variation, when bills shift, safety signals to watch for, how to calculate a personalized estimate, how to introduce fresh food without wasting money or risking health, and the few pieces of gear that matter when you move from kibble to fresh meals.
Why pet parents ask: what The Farmer’s Dog really costs per month
Most dog lovers I talk with are trying to balance love for their pet with a household budget. Monthly cost is the number that fits into rent, utilities, and other monthly bills, so people naturally want to know how a fresh-food subscription will affect their household cash flow. Owners also compare fresh food against dry kibble or home-prepared/raw diets to see whether the perceived health benefits justify higher spending.
For dogs with medical issues—sensitive stomachs, pancreatitis history, obesity, or senior-stage needs—owners ask because diet changes can be part of a treatment plan and may mean more expensive therapeutic recipes. Finally, some shoppers are thinking about gift subscriptions or trialing a box for a travel period; a monthly estimate helps decide how big that trial should be.
Typical monthly price range you can expect for The Farmer’s Dog
Because The Farmer’s Dog prices are set per meal based on calories and recipe, monthly totals scale with a dog’s caloric needs. As a rough guide, a small dog (under ~20 lb) commonly falls between $60 and $90 per month, a medium dog (~20–50 lb) between $90 and $180, and a large dog over 50 lb may run $180–$300 or more. These ranges are approximate and will shift with delivery cadence and recipe choice.
To make that clearer, here is a simple table that shows estimated ranges by dog size and a few example plan points. These are illustrative; your calculator result will be personalized.
| Dog size | Approx. weight | Estimated monthly cost (typical) | What drives the total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 20 lb | $60–$90 | Lower daily calories; fewer meal pouches per week |
| Medium | 20–50 lb | $90–$180 | Moderate calories; routine portion sizes |
| Large | Over 50 lb | $180–$300+ | High daily calories; more pouches; possible larger portions |
Promotions and trial offers can lower first-month cost. Companies often run limited-time discounts or a reduced-price starter box: I typically see introductory offers that make the first order notably cheaper than ongoing shipments. Tax and shipping may add to the final checkout price depending on your state.
How your dog’s biology—size, age and activity—affects the monthly bill
Price follows calories. A dog that needs more energy eats more food, and the subscription charges for the extra portions. Caloric needs are influenced by body weight, age, and activity. A 10-pound senior who walks slowly will require fewer calories than a 10-pound terrier that plays hard for an hour each day. I usually recommend thinking first about body condition and activity rather than breed labels.
Metabolism and health conditions can push requirements up or down. Dogs recovering from illness, growing puppies, and intact males commonly need more calories. Dogs with low activity, obesity, or some endocrine conditions will need fewer calories, which lowers plan cost. The Farmer’s Dog and similar services base portions on calculated caloric needs and then match recipes whose calorie density determines pouch size and number.
Finally, special recipes matter. A therapeutic-style or clinic-recommended recipe that is higher in protein or has specialty ingredients may carry a slightly different price because of ingredient costs and formulation. If your dog requires a veterinary prescription diet, fresh-food subscriptions may be used as adjuncts or replacements only under veterinary guidance, and costs can change accordingly.
When and why your monthly cost can change from one month to the next
Seeing your monthly charge move up or down is normal when something about your dog or your plan changes. The most common triggers are weight or activity shifts. If your dog loses weight during weight-loss efforts, the system may reduce suggested portions; conversely, a dog that gains muscle or resumes high activity may be suggested larger portions.
Seasonal rhythms also play a role. Dogs often burn more calories during active spring and summer months and may require slightly larger portions than in sedentary winter months. Owners who go on extended trips, change work schedules, or adopt another dog will also find their shipping cadence and portion needs fluctuate.
On the plan-management side, changing delivery frequency, switching recipes, or adding treats and toppers will alter the monthly invoice. Promotions, sales, or company-wide price updates and shipping adjustments can further affect what you pay in a given month.
Cost-related red flags: safety and quality issues to watch for
Cost is important, but I watch for signs that a cheaper or rapid diet change is harming the dog. If you see sudden weight loss or gain after switching foods, stop and check in with your veterinarian. Rapid loss suggests inadequate calories or illness; rapid gain commonly reflects excess calories or decreased activity.
Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or ongoing loss of appetite after a diet change are red flags that the food may not suit the dog. Skin and coat changes—dull hair, excessive shedding, flaky skin—may be linked to nutrient imbalances or food intolerance and should be evaluated rather than simply switching to a cheaper option.
On the billing side, review each invoice. Billing mistakes and unauthorized charges happen occasionally. If an amount looks wrong, contact the subscription provider promptly and keep your bank or card issuer informed if you suspect fraud.
Estimating your bill: a simple method to calculate your monthly price
The most reliable estimate comes from combining a real weight with the company’s calculator and a clear choice about delivery cadence. Follow these steps to get a practical monthly budget number:
- Weigh the dog accurately. Use a home scale or vet visit; weigh yourself and then weigh holding the dog and subtract if needed. If you can’t weigh, estimate using breed/size charts and recent vet records.
- Use The Farmer’s Dog online feeding calculator and enter weight, age, and activity levels. The calculator is designed to translate those inputs into daily calories and pouch counts.
- Choose your recipes and delivery cadence. Recipes have similar calorie outputs but slightly different pouch counts depending on caloric density. Weekly, biweekly, or monthly deliveries change how many pouches ship and when.
- Review the final plan breakdown at checkout. Check the subtotal, any taxes or shipping fees, and note any introductory savings. Consider rounding up budget-wise for occasional treats or snack toppers.
I recommend printing or saving the plan summary so you can compare it to future adjustments or veterinarian guidance.
Managing feeding and transitions to avoid extra expense
Switch to a fresh-food plan gradually over about 7–10 days. A practical schedule is to start with 25% new food and 75% current food for two to three days, then move to 50/50 for another two or three days, then 75% new for two days before fully switching. This approach reduces gastrointestinal upset and helps you notice stool changes, appetite shifts, and energy differences.
Set a daily feeding routine and use consistent portioning. A kitchen scale helps deliver accuracy when you’re mixing foods during the transition. Check your dog’s weight weekly or every two weeks during the first month and record stool quality using a simple score—firm but not hard, shaped and easy to pick up—so you can adjust portions before a health problem emerges.
The subscription should allow you to pause, skip, or change cadence without penalties; use those features if travel, illness, or a trial period shows different needs. Pausing is also helpful when you want to re-evaluate portioning after a weight change rather than letting the system auto-adjust without your input.
Practical gear and supplies for a fresh-food feeding routine
- Kitchen scale or calibrated measuring cups — accurate portioning matters more with fresh food.
- Refrigerator/freezer organization containers — store opened pouches safely and keep extras frozen for longer trips.
- Dedicated serving bowls and spoons — separate utensils reduce cross-contamination and make serving quick.
- Insulated travel cooler for deliveries/trips — keeps meals cold on the way home or during day trips when refrigeration is limited.
These are the tools that protect the food’s safety and make it easier to stick to recommended portion sizes so you don’t overspend or underfeed.
Sources and data behind these price estimates
- The Farmer’s Dog — Pricing & Plan Calculator, The Farmer’s Dog Help Center (check the “How pricing works” and “Feeding calculator” pages)
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) — Feeding guidelines and nutrient profiles for adult maintenance
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) — Global nutrition toolkit and guidelines for feeding practices
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Canine nutrition overview and practical advice for nutrient-related clinical signs
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association — Peer-reviewed studies on pet diet transitions and gastrointestinal responses (select articles on diet change and stool/weight outcomes)
